At The Winchester Hotel and Spa, we care about our environment and advocate for environmentally responsible practices in our daily operations. Sustainability is a core pillar in our business and this policy strives to ensure our operations will be conducted with a commitment to protecting and enhancing the environment wherever possible.
We recognise that our activities have an environmental impact that contributes to the global tourism industry. We therefore acknowledge the need to implement long-term sustainable management practices throughout our business and by doing so, actively contribute to reducing the impact of the hospitality industry on a local, national and global level.
This policy has the full support of the Hotel Manager – Matt Richbell
At the Winchester Hotel, we are committed to:
Environmental Commitment
- We are committed to following environmental legislation and reducing our carbon footprint, directly affecting the carbon footprint of the hospitality industry. Wholly support and comply with or exceed the requirements of current environmental legislation and codes of practice.
- The Winchester Hotel ensures environmental concerns are integrated into business decisions through constant review. We apply the principles of continuous improvement with respect to air, heat, noise and light pollution from our premises and reduce any impacts from our operations on the environment and local community.
- Use of environmental pollutants including chemical cleaning products, air pollutants fertilisers and pesticides is kept to a minimum and the usage is monitored closely if not removed at first instance.
- Commitment to measure and manage resources and waste to minimise it over time. Used printer cartridges are recycled, and we initiated a ‘Think before your print’ campaign to reduce paper wastage.
- We are committed to making reductions of our energy, waste, water and carbon footprint and to meet net zero by 2050.
- Ensuring the products used in the hotel are accredited with Eco and Fair-Trade labels.
- Where possible we aim to have suppliers that are locally based and that the produce, we buy is grown locally to reduce transport costs and food miles whilst supporting local businesses.
- Raising awareness by conducting staff training and providing guests with information on environmental issues
- We encourage guests to participate in the hotel’s environmental initiatives by informing guests about recycling bins and reusing towels to save water.
- Promote green travel to team members and guests through our website, social media, and guest directories. We encourage the use of alternative means of transport and car sharing as appropriate.
- Low energy light bulbs have been installed throughout the hotel where possible and implemented a ‘Switch off’ campaign to make sure when rooms are not in use all lights are turned off as well as all computers and televisions.
- Minimise energy and water usage in our buildings, vehicles and processes to conserve supplies and minimise our consumption of natural resources, especially where they are non-renewable.
- Address complaints about any breach of our Environmental Policy promptly and to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Social and Cultural Commitment
- Recruitment commitments including compliance to the Equality Act 2010, Modern Slavery Act 2015 and providing a safe and secure working environment.
- Commitment to engage with the local community and encourage positive relations with the hotel, its team and guests.
- The Winchester Hotel and Spa is committed to using local suppliers and forming partnerships with the local community. For example, we work closely with the Winchester Cathedral and with Winchester Soccer Team.
- Commitment to explore the hotel supply chain. We strive to work with local suppliers and inform them of the hotel’s sustainability commitments and request to view theirs to see if they meet the same standards. We purchase products and services that do the least damage to the environment as often as possible and encourage others to do the same. We ensure products are recyclable and have been made from recycled materials.
- Having a green team at the hotel to keep all staff informed and initiatives progressing
- Support for the establishment’s involvement in sustainable tourism planning and management locally
- Where possible our suppliers are locally based and the produce we buy is grown locally to reduce transport costs and food miles whilst supporting local businesses.
- We will promote ongoing awareness of the environment among our employees and work with them to ensure their impact on it is minimal, including encouraging staff to use greener methods of transport.
Our green journey
In 2024 we formed a Green Team and set about reviewing and enhancing our sustainability efforts, ultimately to work towards and gain the Green Key accreditation.
At the heart of great hospitality is the desire to give and to care, and here at The Winchester Hotel and Spa we are very conscious of our duty to give back to our local community and to take care of our environment. To this end, we’ve created this policy as a statement of our Environmental Social and Governance intentions for our current and future operations.
Green Key
The Green Key https://www.greenkeyengland.co.uk/ award is the leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. This prestigious eco-label represents a commitment by businesses that their premises adhere to the strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. A Green Key stands for the promise to its guests that by opting to stay with the Green Key establishment, they are helping to make a difference on an environmental level.
Conclusion
The Winchester Hotel and Spa is committed to ESG principles. By integrating sustainability, social responsibility, and transparent governance, we aim to create a positive impact on our environment, community, and all those associated with our establishment.
The Winchester Hotel and Spa is committed to regularly reviewing this policy to ensure it remains current and meets best practices.
Matt Richbell, Hotel Manager
Policy created – 31/10/24
Policy last updated – 31/10/24
